The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives

Peace initiatives and strategies contribute to the cessation of conflict, the reduction of tension, the establishment of peace, and the initiation of dialogue between opposing parties. These initiatives can take various forms, including: Negotiations and dialogue between the conflicting sides; Media...

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Main Author: Omar Ardashelia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv 2025-06-01
Series:Соціологічні студії
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Online Access:https://sociostudios.vnu.edu.ua/index.php/socio/article/view/409
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author Omar Ardashelia
author_facet Omar Ardashelia
author_sort Omar Ardashelia
collection DOAJ
description Peace initiatives and strategies contribute to the cessation of conflict, the reduction of tension, the establishment of peace, and the initiation of dialogue between opposing parties. These initiatives can take various forms, including: Negotiations and dialogue between the conflicting sides; Mediation, in which a third party (such as an international organization, a foreign country, or a special representative) facilitates communication and agreement between the parties; Reintegration and reconciliation programs, aimed at unifying society after conflict and supporting affected groups through targeted projects; Humanitarian initiatives, including the protection of civilians, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the creation of a stable environment; Educational and cultural programs, which promote a culture of peace, teach tolerance, and help reduce hostility between opposing communities. The objective of this research is to explore the attitudes of the Georgian population living in occupied Abkhazia toward peace initiatives implemented by international organizations, the Georgian government, and third-party states. Naturally, this issue is closely tied to political and socio-economic factors, which are evident both among those displaced from Abkhazia and those still residing under occupation. Gathering the perspectives of the Georgian population living under occupation was challenging but meaningful. Through personal connections and support, we were able to engage with participants. The research focused particularly on which peace initiatives they trust most and which they feel have had a tangible impact on their lives under occupation. Findings indicate that despite various efforts, peacebuilding in the Abkhazian region remains fraught with challenges. Conflict transformation requires more than dialogue and trust-building – it demands socio-economic initiatives that promote equality, security, and sustainable peace for all stakeholders. In this context, peace education and the promotion of a culture of peace are essential, and this process cannot succeed without the active engagement and support of international organizations.
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spelling doaj-art-68cef5725ca444e6b628a10731d84b0e2025-08-20T03:39:40ZengTaras Shevchenko National University of KyivСоціологічні студії2306-39712521-10562025-06-011(26)61110.29038/2306-3971-2025-01-11-11327The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace InitiativesOmar Ardashelia0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4974-4951Department of International Relations, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Sokhumi State UniversityPeace initiatives and strategies contribute to the cessation of conflict, the reduction of tension, the establishment of peace, and the initiation of dialogue between opposing parties. These initiatives can take various forms, including: Negotiations and dialogue between the conflicting sides; Mediation, in which a third party (such as an international organization, a foreign country, or a special representative) facilitates communication and agreement between the parties; Reintegration and reconciliation programs, aimed at unifying society after conflict and supporting affected groups through targeted projects; Humanitarian initiatives, including the protection of civilians, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the creation of a stable environment; Educational and cultural programs, which promote a culture of peace, teach tolerance, and help reduce hostility between opposing communities. The objective of this research is to explore the attitudes of the Georgian population living in occupied Abkhazia toward peace initiatives implemented by international organizations, the Georgian government, and third-party states. Naturally, this issue is closely tied to political and socio-economic factors, which are evident both among those displaced from Abkhazia and those still residing under occupation. Gathering the perspectives of the Georgian population living under occupation was challenging but meaningful. Through personal connections and support, we were able to engage with participants. The research focused particularly on which peace initiatives they trust most and which they feel have had a tangible impact on their lives under occupation. Findings indicate that despite various efforts, peacebuilding in the Abkhazian region remains fraught with challenges. Conflict transformation requires more than dialogue and trust-building – it demands socio-economic initiatives that promote equality, security, and sustainable peace for all stakeholders. In this context, peace education and the promotion of a culture of peace are essential, and this process cannot succeed without the active engagement and support of international organizations.https://sociostudios.vnu.edu.ua/index.php/socio/article/view/409occupied abkhaziapopulationpeace initiativespeace culturepeace education
spellingShingle Omar Ardashelia
The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
Соціологічні студії
occupied abkhazia
population
peace initiatives
peace culture
peace education
title The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
title_full The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
title_fullStr The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
title_full_unstemmed The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
title_short The Georgian Population of Occupied Abkhazia and Peace Initiatives
title_sort georgian population of occupied abkhazia and peace initiatives
topic occupied abkhazia
population
peace initiatives
peace culture
peace education
url https://sociostudios.vnu.edu.ua/index.php/socio/article/view/409
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